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Typically, an A-A consist would be more common for two units, especially on the NYC.  The booster units would be added as needed for additional tonnage or longer trains, while the A-A consist would provide more flexibility in that the locomotives would not need to be turned at the end of a run.  Furthermore, much like arch competitor the PRR, NYC would run booster units as part of an A-B-A consist.  NYC followed a similar practice with passenger trains - A-A units on trains or if needed an A-B-A consist.

Where I have seen A units paired with B units only has been more common on passenger trains on the western roads.  Santa Fe purchased A-B-B F7s in the 300 series for passenger trains while many of their passenger trains operated as A-B units.  SP followed similar practices of A-B units for passenger trains. 

One resource is to look at the number of rostered F3s in the A and B configurations and you will see that booster cab units outnumbered booster units by a fairly sizeable margin in most cases.

However, it is your layout so your practices are what matters most.  I like A-B configurations for passenger trains as I don't need to set the unit to run in reverse in command for my 3 rail trains. 

Hope that helps!

@jbmccormick posted:

A few years ago Atlas did not make an AB in B&O because as Bob Thatcher said, it wasn't prototypical.  With MTH coming out with a B unit, if the colors match I will get one.  My railroad, my rules.  I typically buy ABA with only one A powered.

John

The B&O did have F3 B units. The MTH model is excellent. I just received my AB set the other day…

86BE93F6-74A3-44D9-9FA0-0C39D71518136EF14290-2617-47FE-8ED6-62EF910E00A9

The later scheme B&O F3 ( or fake F7) is a MTH dummy unit I repainted…I will run it with the new MTH F3 set…

Tom

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